The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of family-of-origin, personal and spousal characteristics, mediated by communication and problem-solving behavior, on marital quality and stability. On the basis of previous literature, the theoretic...
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of family-of-origin, personal and spousal characteristics, mediated by communication and problem-solving behavior, on marital quality and stability. On the basis of previous literature, the theoretical model was specified, estimated, and evaluated for adequacy of statistical fit for samples of 214 married women. Although the initial model was not supported by data, the revised model fitted the data adequately. Results of structural equation modeling indicated family-of-origin and communication behavior directly affected marital quality. However, the personal and spousal characteristics were linked with marital quality and stability only if they were mediated by communication and problemsolving behavior. Communication behavior was strongly related to marital quality and stability both directly and indirectly through problem-solving behavior. The model also showed marital quality can be an antecedent variable for marital stability. The findings of results is to generate more broad-minded thinking about how communication behavior, marital quality, and marital stability are interrelated.